The
following information is a summary about
Allopurinol.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Allopurinol USES
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) is used to treat chronic gout
(gouty arthritis). This condition is caused by too
much uric acid in the blood. Allopurinol works by
causing less uric acid to be produced by the body.
Allopurinol DIRECTIONS
Allopurinol comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It
is usually taken once or twice a day, preferably
after a meal. To help you remember to take Allopurinol,
take it around the same time every day. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take Allopurinol exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take
it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your
doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Allopurinol
and gradually increase your dose, not more than once
a week. It may take several months or longer before
you feel the full benefit of Allopurinol. Allopurinol
may increase the number of gout attacks during the
first few months that you take it, although it will
eventually prevent attacks. Your doctor may prescribe
another medication such as colchicine to prevent
gout attacks for the first few months you take Allopurinol.
Continue to take Allopurinol even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking Allopurinol without talking to
your doctor.
Allopurinol SIDE EFFECTS
Allopurinol Allopurinol may cause side effects. Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or
do not go away: * upset stomach * diarrhea * drowsiness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms
are uncommon, but if you experience any of them,
call your doctor immediately: * skin rash * painful
urination * blood in the urine * irritation of the
eyes * swelling of the lips or mouth * fever, sore
throat, chills, and other signs of infection * loss
of appetite * unexpected weight loss * itching Allopurinol
may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if
you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Allopurinol PRECAUTIONS
Before taking Allopurinol, * tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to Allopurinol or
any other medications. * tell your doctor and pharmacist
what prescription and nonprescription medications,
vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products
you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following:
amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox); ampicillin (Polycillin,
Principen); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such
as warfarin (Coumadin); cancer chemotherapy drugs
such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mercaptopurine
(Purinethol); chlorpropamide (Diabinese); diuretics
('water pills'); medications that suppress the immune
system such as azathioprine (Imuran) and cyclosporine
(Neoral, Sandimmune); other medications for gout
such as probenecid (Benemid) and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane);
and tolbutamide (Orinase). Your doctor may need to
change the doses of your medications or monitor you
carefully for side effects. * tell your doctor if
you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease
or heart failure. * tell your doctor if you are pregnant,
plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If
you become pregnant while taking Allopurinol, call
your doctor. * you should know that Allopurinol may
make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery
until you know how this medication affects you. * ask
your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages
while you are taking Allopurinol. Alcohol may decrease
the effectiveness of Allopurinol.
Allopurinol DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid
sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as
fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine
(e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report
use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Allopurinol OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Allopurinol NOTES
Drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids
each day while taking Allopurinol unless directed
to do otherwise by your doctor.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Allopurinol as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Allopurinol STORAGE
Store Allopurinol at room temperature between 36
and 77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
